To keep a new construction pest-free, it is important to take preventative measures during the building process.
Seal off entry points
Sealing off entry points for pests in new construction is an important step in preventing pests from entering the site. This includes sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, roof, and around pipes, vents, and electrical wiring. Some specific areas to pay attention to when sealing off entry points include:
- Foundation: Inspect the foundation for cracks or gaps and seal them with a silicone-based caulk or a concrete patch.
- Walls: Look for gaps or cracks in walls, especially where the walls meet the ceiling or floor. Seal them with silicone-based caulk or expandable foam.
- Roof: Inspect the roof for gaps or cracks, and seal them with a roofing sealant.
- Windows and Doors: Ensure windows and doors are snugly and properly sealed. Replace any worn weatherstripping and install door sweeps.
- Vents and Pipes: Seal around vents and pipes with a silicone-based caulk or expandable foam to prevent pests from entering through these areas.
- Electrical Wiring: Seal around electrical wiring with a silicone-based caulk or expandable foam to prevent pests from entering through these areas.
A professional pest control service is also recommended to help you identify and seal potential entry points for pests.
Use pest-resistant materials
Using pest-resistant materials in construction can help deter pests and prevent them from entering the site. One of the most common pest-resistant materials used in construction is treated lumber. Treated lumber is wood that has been chemically treated to resist rot, decay, and insects. This type of lumber is often used for framing, decks, and exterior trim.
Other pest-resistant materials that can be used in construction include:
- Aluminum or vinyl windows and doors: These materials are resistant to termites and other wood-destroying insects.
- Stone or concrete foundations: These materials are not attractive to pests and provide a barrier to entry.
- Metal flashing: Metal flashing can be used around windows and doors to prevent pests from entering the site.
- Insulation: Some types of insulation, such as polyurethane foam, are resistant to pests and can help to seal off entry points.
Proper ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential in preventing moisture build-up in new construction, which can attract pests. Moisture can accumulate in areas such as the attic, crawl space, and bathrooms, leading to mold growth and structural damage if left unchecked. Pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and cockroaches are attracted to moisture and can quickly infest a site with poor ventilation.
To ensure proper ventilation in new construction, it’s important to do the following things. Install vents in the attic and crawl space. These vents allow hot, humid air to escape, preventing moisture build-up. Use a moisture-resistant ventilation system in bathrooms. This can include exhaust fans, vents, and openable windows, which will help to remove moisture-laden air. A dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture from the air, making the site less attractive to pests. Insulating the building properly can help to prevent drafts, which can lead to moisture build-up. The ideal humidity level should stay between 30% and 50%. If the humidity level is higher, take steps to reduce it.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your new construction’s ventilation system can also help prevent pests. Proper ventilation, combined with other pest prevention methods such as regular inspections, and ongoing pest management, can help to keep your new construction pest-free.
Regular inspections
Regular inspections are important to maintaining a pest-free environment in new construction. These inspections can help to identify potential pest problems early before they become major infestations.
During regular inspections, it’s essential to:
- Look for signs of pests: Check for droppings, gnaw marks, and other pests.
- Check for entry points: Inspect the site for potential entry points, such as cracks or gaps in the foundation, walls, or roof.
- Check for moisture: Look for signs of moisture, such as mold or water damage, which can attract pests.
- Check the surrounding area: Inspect the surrounding area for pests, such as ants or rodents, and potential habitats, such as piles of debris or standing water.
- Keep records of inspections: Keep records of when and where inspections were done and what was found. This will help identify patterns and trends and adjust pest control strategies.
If pests are found during an inspection, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent a full-scale infestation. This can include calling a pest control professional or taking steps to eliminate the pests. This includes sealing off entry points or removing potential food sources.
Regular inspections should be done at least once a year, but more frequent inspections may be necessary depending on the area and type of pests. By conducting regular inspections, you can keep your new construction pest-free and ensure that if pests are found, they will be dealt with promptly.
Ongoing pest management
Implementing ongoing pest management strategies is important in keeping a new construction pest-free. This includes regular pesticide treatments, as well as other methods of pest control.
Pesticides can control pests that have entered the site or prevent pests from entering in the first place. A professional pest control service can apply pesticides to the exterior and interior of the site, focusing on areas where pests are most likely to enter.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest management that includes a combination of techniques. This includes sanitation, exclusion, biological control, and pesticide treatments. This approach can reduce the amount of pesticides needed and minimize their environmental impact.
Keep the construction and surrounding area clean and free of debris. This can include removing food scraps, cleaning up spills and crumbs, and keeping the garbage in sealed containers. Denying pests access to food and shelter is an effective way to prevent them from entering the site. This can include sealing off entry points, keeping food in sealed containers, and removing potential nesting sites.
It’s important to consult with a professional pest control service to determine the best pest management strategy for your new construction. Regularly scheduled inspections and treatments can help to keep pests at bay and quickly identify and address any new pest infestations.
Keep the surrounding area clean
Keeping the surrounding area clean and well-maintained is important in preventing pests from entering a new construction. This includes removing debris and standing water and trimming vegetation to reduce the habitat for pests.
Pests such as rats, mice, and cockroaches can find shelter and food in piles of debris. Regularly removing debris from around the site, including leaves, twigs, and branches can help to eliminate potential pest habitats. Standing water attracts pests such as mosquitoes and cockroaches. Drain any standing water around the site, including gutters, birdbaths, and flower pots. Vegetation, such as tall grass or bushes, can provide shelter and nesting sites for pests such as rodents and insects. Trim back vegetation to reduce the potential habitat for pests.
A well-maintained lawn can also discourage pests. Mowing the lawn regularly can eliminate hiding spots for pests and reduce their access to food and shelter. Properly maintain outdoor spaces such as decks, patios, and porches. This includes regular cleaning, removing food scraps, and checking for signs of pests.
Be aware of the common pests in the area and take the necessary steps to prevent them from entering your new construction. This can include screens on windows and doors, sealing off entry points, using pest-resistant materials, and keeping the surrounding areas clean and well-maintained.
Consulting with a professional
Consulting with a professional pest control service is important in keeping a new construction pest-free. They can inspect the construction and surrounding area to identify potential pest problems and potential entry points for pests.
The pest control service can develop a customized pest management plan based on your new construction’s inspection. This plan can include a combination of techniques.
One technique is applying pesticides to the construction’s exterior and interior, focusing on areas where pests are most likely to enter. They can also conduct IPM, which includes a combination of techniques, such as sanitation, exclusion, and biological control, in addition to pesticide treatments. Additionally, they can conduct regular inspections and monitoring to ensure that pests are not present on the site. A professional pest control service can also provide education and advice on preventing pests from entering the site, identifying and eliminating pests, and taking care of the site and surrounding area to prevent pests from returning.
By working with a professional pest control service, you can ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent pests from entering your new construction and to control any pests that may get in. This can help to keep your new construction pest-free and ensure that any pest problems are addressed promptly and effectively.
Let Eminent Pest Control Take Care Of Your Construction’s Pest Control Needs
Eminent Pest Control provides a thorough premise analysis to identify potential pest issues and entry points for pests. Our team is skilled in pest identification and proofing, ensuring that the proper treatment is implemented to eliminate the problem effectively. We also provide facilities management services such as sealing entry points to prevent future infestations. Our team conducts ongoing surveillance and monitoring to ensure pests stay away. We also develop long-term strategies for pest management to ensure your facility stays pest-free. Trust Eminent Pest Control for all your pest control needs.
